The Journal of Communication recently published a paper by Joe Phua of the University of Georgia exploring the impact of social media on eager-to-quit smokers. In his study of wellness-based social media sites, Phua found that these online communities served as adequate means of support, helping smokers to not only achieve their goal of quitting but also maintain it.

The paper goes on to say that this online form of social connection can actually produce faster results than more involved, in-person methods such as support groups and meetings.